1950 Austin A 40 vs. 2004 Alfa Romeo 156
To start off, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 54 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1950 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1950 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 3,179 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 (247 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 198 more horse power than 1950 Austin A 40. (49 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1950 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 570 kg more than 1950 Austin A 40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1950 Austin A 40 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1950 Austin A 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 (300 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 216 more torque (in Nm) than 1950 Austin A 40. (84 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1950 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1950 Austin A 40 | 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 | |
| Make | Austin | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | A 40 | 156 |
| Year Released | 1950 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 3179 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 247 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 127 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1536 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 63 L |
